Chapati Flatbread from Kenyan Street Food

By AislePrompt Editorial · ·

How this recipe was made — this recipe was drafted by AislePrompt's AI-assisted pipeline from technique templates and USDA-sourced nutrition data, and published by AislePrompt Editorial — see how AislePrompt recipes are developed and reviewed.

Soft and flaky chapati flatbreads, a beloved Kenyan street food staple, perfect for scooping up stews or enjoying with honey and tea. This African-inspired quick recipe, ready in about 60 minutes, pairs all-purpose flour, warm water, salt for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 8, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 40 min Cook: 20 min Serves 8 African cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups all-purpose flour and 1 tsp salt. Gradually add 1 cup warm water, stirring with your hand or a wooden spoon until a rough dough forms.
  2. Step 2: Add 1/4 cup vegetable oil and knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover with a damp cloth and let rest for 30 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Divide the dough into 8 equal balls. On a floured surface, roll each ball into a thin 8-inch circle.
  4. Step 4: Brush each rolled dough with melted butter (about 2 tbsp total distributed) and fold it tightly into a coil shape, then flatten gently. Roll out again to a 7-inch circle to create layers.
  5. Step 5: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a teaspoon of vegetable oil. Cook each chapati for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown spots appear and the bread puffs slightly.
  6. Step 6: Stack the cooked chapatis and cover with a clean towel to keep warm and soft. Serve warm with stews, curries, or as a snack with tea.

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